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BABYLON 

A DRAMA 

BY 

B. H. WILLIAMS 



COPYRIGHT 

1901 
BY THE AUTHOR 

Alvlv RIGHTS RESERVED 



TH>; L'SRA^Y OF 

Two OOi-l£3 «ECEIVEO 

OEC. 21 190ii 

Copyright snt?;/ 
00 f / J. 



If''' 



X 



'"''Upon vellum and farchnent^ hut little can he 
written of a man^s t7'ue self: his deeds may he carved in 
marble^ and his heart may he viarhle^ too.''^ 



CHARACTERS REPRESENTED. 

Nkbuchadnkzzar, King of Babylon, 

DanieIv, The Prophet. 

Argon, High Priest of Babylon. 

Nergal, Chief Captain of Babylon. 

Alfgar, a captain; body-guard to Chi^ora. 

NiTOCRis, Queen Mother of Babylon. 

Chi^ora, Princess of Babylon. 

Hkrai^d. 

Captains, Priests, Soi.dikrs and Attendants. 



ACT I. 

Scene I. 

THRONE ROOM AT BABYLON. 

Present: Herald^ Captains^ Priests mid attendants. 



Herald : 



Place for Arg-on, Hig-h Priest of Belus and 
Astarte! 



(^Enter A-RGOi^, left.) 

Herald: Place for Nerg-al, Prince of Nineveh, Chief 
Captain" of the armies of Babylon! 

(^«/^r Nergal, left.) 

Herald: Let all heads be bowed, for your King- 
cometh, even Nebuchadnezzar, the King of 
Kings, and with him is his mother, Nitocris 
the Queen, and at the Queen's right hand 
is Chlora, the Princess of Babylon and heir 
to the throne I 

{Flourish. E7iter Neb., Nito. and Chlo., attended^ 

right. ) 

Herald: Hail to Nebuchadnezzar the King! 
Captains, etc.: Hail! 
Herald: Hail to Nitocris the Queen! 
Captains, etc.: Hail! 

3 



BABYLON ACT i. 

Hkrald: Hail to Chlora the Princess! 
Captains, etc.: Hail! 

(Neb., Nito. a7id C1U.0. ascend the dais. Argon pre- 
sents censer to Nkb., who offei's incense.^ 

Neb. : Peace be unto every man according* to his de- 
serving- and according- to the will of the Gods! 
Peace be unto you all, from Nebuchadnezzar 
the King! 

Arg.: O King-, live forever! 

Nerg.: And let they king-dom be established! 

Her.: So say all peoples, nations and tong-ues! 

Capt's, etc.: May thy rising- tip be in g"lory, and 
may thy sitting- down be in peace! 

(Neb. and Nito. seat themselves; Chi^o. stands at 7'ight 
of Nito. ) 

Neb.: Be it known unto you all, that this day my 
kinswoman Chlora, the Princess of Babjlon 
and heir to the throne, completeth the six- 
teenth year of her ag-e, and taketh her seat at 
my rig-ht hand as the Third Ruler in the King-- 
dom. Mother, both loved and reverenced, it 
now becometh thee to surrender the charg-e of 
which thou hast so well acquitted thyself. 

(Nito. rises ^ takes Chi.o. by hand, leads her to Neb., 
who rises; Nito. places hand of Chlo. in that of 
Neb.) 

Nito.: Thus do I resign my charg-e. Sv/eet child of 
yesterday, great Princess of to-day, may the 

4 



ACT I. BABYLON 

Gods keep thee ever, and hold thee as close 
to their hearts as thou art to mine! 

(N:e:b. leads Chlo. to Altar of Ince7ise,) 

Neb.: Fair kinswoman, hast thou been fully in- 
structed in the worship of the Gods who watch 
over Babylon ? 

Chlo. : Mig-hty king-, I have been so instructed. 

Neb. : Hath the g-lory of great Babylon been amply 
shewn unto thee ? 

Chlo. : It has been so shewn. 

Neb. : And dost thou dedicate thy life to the advance- 
ment of that worship and of that g-lory ? 

Chi.0. : I do so dedicate my life. 

(Chlo. kneels; ati. hands tiara to Neb., zvho places it on 
head of Ciiho. and raises her.) 

Neb.: Behold the Princess of Babylon, the Third 
Ruler in the Kingdom! Render unto her the 
reverence that is her due ! 
Arg. : Belus and Astarte shall bless thee— 
Ner. : And the armies of Babylon shall perish ere 
thou suffer harm — 

Arg. : If so be that thou boldest fast the faith of thy 
fathers — 

Ner.: And betrayest not the glory of their King- 
dom ! 

Her. : As ye gave unto her fathers, O, all yc people, 

so give 3'e unto her — 
Capt's, etc.: Service and blessing and honor! 

5 



BABYLON ACT I. 

(Arg. prescfits censer; Chi,o. offe7's incense; Arg. takes 
censer^ turns and lifts hand.) 

Arg.: In the name of Belus, I charg-e ye all: See 
that ye keep your vows! 

(Chlo. bends her head,) 

Capt's, etc.: Our vows are to Chlora, Princess of 
Babylon I 

ChIvO. : And mine are to Babylon, its Gods and its 

glory I 

Her.: Hail Chlora! 
Aei.: Hail Princess of Babylon! 

Neb. : ( Taking Chi,o. by hand) From this hour thou 
art Third Ruler in the Kingdom. 

(Neb. leads Chi.o. to th'one at his left^ then retiirris to 
his own; Arg. extends both hands; all kneel except 
Neb., Nito., Chlo. and A^g.) 

Arg.: Blessed be Babylon! 

Capt's, etc.: And Nebuchadnezzar the King! 

{Flourish. Neb., Nito. and Chi.o. seat themselves; all 
others rise; Arg. returns to his place.) 

Neb. : Let Alf gar, the Northman, approach. 
Her. : Alfgar, the son of Olaf , called the Northman, 
approach! 

(Ai,F. comes to foot of dais ^ and kneels.) 
Alf.: O King, live forever! 
Neb. : Rise, Alfgar. I have heard man}^ things of 

thy courage. I remember well thy valor at 

6 



ACT I. BABYLON 

the battle of Sidon, and how thou didst stand 
betwixt me and death. Also I know that since 
I made thee a captain, thou hast been faithful 
to Babylon, thoug-h I hear that thou dost still 
worship thy northern Gods, and I see that thou 
dost still wear thy northern harness. 

Alf. : O King-, the Gods my father served more befit 
my spirit, and harness such as my father wore 
better suiteth my frame. The heart of Alf gar 
is thine, O King, but his mind and his body 
can not be twisted into new shapes. 

Neb. : Alfgar, I trust thee, and would have thee as 
thou art, lest perchance any change were for 
the worse rather than for the better. In proof 
whereof, I do this day confide to thine hand 
the charge of my beloved kinswoman Chlora. 
Be thou her guard from all harm that may 
threaten her; leave not her side save during 
hours spent by her in her chamber, and even 
then do thou abide near the threshold of her 
door. Be thou ever girded as for war, and 
spare neither thine own life nor that of any 
other in her defense. Wilt thou accept the 
charge? 

Alf.: O, mig-hty King, who hast rewarded me so 
altogether above my deserving, I will accept 
the charge. 

Neb.: And wilt thou swear to be faithful even unto 
death? 

Alf. : By thy Gods, Belus and Astarte, by Odin and 

7 



BABYLON ACT i. 

Thor, and by my g-ood sword the Raven, do I 
swear faithfully to guard the Princess Chlora, 
and ag-ainst all to defend her, so long- as hand 
can g-rasp hilt I 
Neb.: Take, then, thy station beside her. 

( Alf. ascends dais; Chlo. gives him her hand; he kneels^ 
kisses her hand, rises and stands at her left. ) 

Neb. : Know all men, that the valiant captain, Alf- 
g-ar, called the Northman, is by my express 
command in constant attendance upon the 
Princess Chlora and is sworn to her defense. 
Then cross ye not her path, if ye would not 
that he should cross your own with blood. 

(Arg. ^/zJNer. exchanges glances and signs.) 

PIer. : Hear all ye people the words of Nebuchadnezzar 
the King, and the decree that he hath spoken! 
So shall ye be witnesses against yourselves if 
in aught ye fail to observe his command I 

Capt's, etc.: We are witnesses I 

Neb. : The business of the day is ended. Let us do 
reverence to the Gods. 

(Arg. -pi'esenis censer; Neb., Nito. and Chlo. offer 
incense; Aro. raises both hands; all kneel except 
Neb. and Arq.) 

Arg. : May Belus preserve Babylon and Nebuchad- 
nezzar the KingI 

Capt's, etc. : For Belus is the mightiest of Gods, and 
Babylon is the greatest of Kingdoms, and 

8 



ACT I. BABYLON 

Nebuchadnezzar is the King of Kings! 

(^Flourish. All exit except Arg. and Nkr.) 

Ker.: The King suspecteth thee I 

Arg. : The King suspecteth me^ sayest thou Nergal ? 
Say rather, he suspecteth thee^ O, ostrich of 
the desert; thou seemest not to know how 
passing small is the bush wherein thou hast 
hidden thine head. 

Ner. : Then must we act speedily. 

Arg. : Trust all to me. I will not fail thee. 

Ner. : Yea, it is easy to say trust, trust, trust. But 
I am a man who is more wont to have others 
trust him. Thy plans are doubtless exceeding 
clear to thine own mind, but for myself, I can 
not as yet see them plainly. 

Arg. : What! Are not the death of Nebuchadnezzar, 
the imprisonment of Nitocris, the placing of 
Chlora on Babylon's throne, and thine own 
marriage with the new Queen, are not matters 
like these, things large enough for thine eyes 
to behold ? 

Ner. : These are ends. What I would be enlightened 
as touching, are the means whereby these ends 
are to be compassed. 

Arg. : Thou canst at least see that the war with Tyre 
hath brought little plunder to the army ? 

Ner.: Yea, and that it hath brought much dis- 
content. 

9 



BABYLON ACT i. 

Arg. : Do thou, then, g-all this wound until the dis- 
content grow ripe for mutiny; while I for my 
part urge the priesthood with the thought 
that overmuch gentleness is shewn to those of 
different faith, as in the many marks of favor 
bestowed upon Daniel the Hebrew, and as in 
the case of Alfgar even this day. 

Ner. : It is a weighty hazard on a single cast I 

Arg. : But the hand of Chlora is a noble prize, and 
one which bringeth thee close to the throne. 

Ner.: True; but she will ever stand betwixt me and 
that throne. 

Arg. : What difference ? The true power will be 
thine, backed, as thou wilt be, by the devotion 
of the army. Only do thou make sure that 
thy wooing speed. 

Ner. : Might it not speed better, did I come as a 
victor ? I am moved to fortify Nineveh, and 
to repair thither with all who love me. For, 
in truth, I do believe myself to be a better 
captain than is Nebuchadnezzar. 

Arg.: Feathers first, and flying afterward. Be as- 
sured that without the countenance of Chlora 
we can prevail nothing. Kven were we to 
arise and slay Nebuchadnezzar, there remain- 
eth Nitocris the Queen, who is so beloved of 
all the people that save in the name of Chlora 
we dare not lay hands upon her; and she is not 
one whit more pliable, nor yet one whit less 
capable than is her son. So, wherein should 

10 



ACT I. BABYLON 

we have advantag-ed ourselves ? Let not the 
desire of thine heart, O Nerg-al, cloud the 
wisdom of thy mind. We should but bring- 
destruction upon ourselves did we attempt evil 
against the King- before having- gained the 
support of Chlora. Nor do I think that we 
shall fail with her, for I have weig-hty reasons 
to bring forward, which I may not as yet revel 
unto any but herself, being- bound by the g-reat 
oath of Belus. 
Ner.: Thou art a smooth reasoner. Argon, and I 
must needs trust thee in all this, for mine 
heart is fixed upon Chlora, and there seemeth 
none other road to her hand. But bear ever 
in mind that Nergal, the son of Sharezer, 
setteth thus high a price upon his head, that if 
it fall, thine shalt fall first. 
Arg. : If thine head fall, surely mine must fall also, 
and whether before or after can make little 
odds. I do not fear thy threats, O Nergal, for 
I am strong in mine integrity. I seek naught 
for myself, save only the honor of being he 
who did restore and purify the ancestral faith 
of Babylon. Now must I to the Temple of 
Belus, where I shall straightway take counsel 
with certain of my friends among the ancient 
priests. See that thou also dost improve thy 
time, and may the Gods prosper thee I 
(^Exit Arg.) 
Ner. : I am to wield the true power because I sway 
the swords of Babylon? Methinks I were 

11 



BABYLON ACT i. 

nearer to wielding- the true power, did I sway 
the superstitions of Babylon! Wise Arg-onI 
I am to aid thy plans, and find my reward in 
a show of authority, whilst thou dost enjoy 
the real authorityl It is a great game, O 
Argon, and if thou dost help to win for me 
now, surely thou shalt never thyself win from 
me afterward, for when once mine hand be 
firmly upon the reins, I will see to it that thou 
shalt speedily depart unto the land of the 
Gods, and with thee all of thy friends among- 
the ancient priests. Then, of a certainty, 
Nergal and not Argon shall be the ruler of 
Babylon I 



SCKNK II. 

chlora's antechamber. 
Present: Alfgar and attendants. 



Att. : The Hig-h Priest Cometh I Do him reverence I 
{Enter Arg. ; Ai.f. and Att's boiv. ) 

Arc: Blessed be ye of BelusI Is the Princess Chlora 

within ? 
Alf.: She is, O Hig-h Prist. 
Arg.: I would crave a word with her. 

12 



ACT I. BABYLON 

Alf. : Let thy servant pray thee to be seated, and the 
Princess shall be told of thy coming-. 
{^Exit attendant; Arg. seats himself.^ 

Arg.: {^Aside.^ Thus far I prosper. The priesthood 
is at my beck; this Nergal bendeth before me 
as a palm to the gale; if but Chlora, hearken 
unto my speech, I am on the high road to suc- 
cess. Yea, and a most complete successl The 
priests shall become mine obedient thralls, 
Nerg-al shall find a sudden g-rave, wherein his 
ambition may rest forever, and Chlora shall 
reign but as I dictate. 

{Enter Att. and whispers to Alf.) 
Alf. : The Princess will attend thee presently. 
Arg. : I will await her. 

(Arg. takes scroll from bosom and reads.) 

Alf.: {Aside) How prompt are time-servers to court 
the rising- sun! It was but yesterday that the 
Princess took her seat at the King's left hand, 
and this morning- so early cometh the Hig-h 
Priest to pay his duty. Kor doth this set 
altogether quietly on my mind, for Argon is 
said to be a most wily fox. 

{Door to Chlora's chamber opens.) 
Att.: The Princess of Babylon cometh forth I 

(Arg. puts scroll in bosom and rises. Enter Chlo.) 
Chlo.: Good morrow, my faithful Alfgarl Argon, 

13 



BABYLON ACT i. 

my father in the Gods, I humbly crave thy 

blessing. 
Arg.: Blessed be thou of the Gods, my daughter. 

Now would I speak with thee upon matters of 

weight, such as are meet for none other ear 

beside thine own. 
Chi.0. : (^To Atfs,^ Ye may retire. 
{Exit AW s.) 

Arg. : We are not yet alone. 

ChIvO. : By the King's command, this captain must be 

ever with me. 
Arg.: Canst thou not for once strain a point as 

touching this command? 
Chlo. : Nay, O Argon, the King's behest is final unto 
Chlora. If thou wouldst have the matter dif- 
erent, it is easy for thee to speak thereof to 
the King. 
Alf.: (Aside.) Now praise be to OdinI The Princess 
can match the Priest at his own game of 
cunning! 
Arg.: Canst thou bind this captain to silence? He 
worshippeth not our Gods, wherefore any oath 
I might lay upon him might hold and might 
not. 
Chlo. : Speak, Alf gar. Is there any oath thou dost 

hold supremely sacred? 
Alf.: a Northman sweareth the most deeply when 
he sweareth by the sword upon his thigh, 
even as I swore to defend thee, O Princess. 

14 



ACT I. BABYLON 

Chlo. : Swear, then, to preserve silence as touching- 
what speech shall now pass between the 
High Priest and myself. 

Ai.F. : By my g-ood sword the Raven, do I swear to 
place the words of my mouth at thy command, 
O Chlora, both now and hereafter. 

Chlo.: Thine oath pleaseth me well. How is it with 
my lord the High Priest? 

Arc. : Since no better may be, I must fain content 

myself. But I am about to give mine head into 

thy keeping-, O Chlora, and would not that my 

trust in thee should cost me betrayal at the 

hand of another. 

Chlo.: If thine heart fail thee, take no risk. A 

word on the tong-ue is still thine own; but 

once it be spoken no bird of the air hath 

swifter wing, nor will it ever return to thy 

bosom. 

Arc: Surely, Belus will protect me, for what I do 

is for him and for the Princess, whereon are 

fastened the eyes of his worshippers. Tell 

me: were the king-dom suddenly to become 

thine, would it not be thy pleasure to increase 

in dig-nity the worship of Belus and Astarte? 

Chlo. : To what doth all this tend? Let thy speech, 
I pray thee, be plain unto thy daug-hter. 

Arc: Plainly, then, will I speak. The priesthood 
is alarmed lest those of different faith be al- 
together preferred above the true believers, 

15 



BABYLON ACT i. 

througli lack of zeal for our religion on the 
part of the King*. 

Chlo. : Beware, O Argon I Thy words sound over- 
much like treason, and I am a Princess of 
the House of Babylon! 

Arc: Say, rather, thou art the rightful Queen of 
Babylon I Hearken I Thy grandfather, even 
Nabopolassar, had three sons: Senadar the 
first, Nebuchadnezzar the second, and Bel- 
shinar the third. Now, Senadar and Belshinar 
both fell at the taking of Nineveh, and both 
of them left wives. Soon after, the wife of 
Senadar gave birth to a child; but that child 
was a girl, and it pleased not thy grandfather 
that a g-irl should sit upon his throne. 
AVherefore he caused it to be given forth that 
the child was born to the wife of Belshinar; 
and not long thereafter the child's true moth- 
er and its reputed mother both perished, it 
was said by the plague, and certain of their 
attendants and of the physicians died also. 
But the babe lived, and was given to rear 
unto Nitocris the Queen, who knew naught 
of all this. Then Nabopolassar was gath- 
ered to his fathers, and Nebuchadnezzar took 
the kingdom as heir; but the true heir was 
the babe, and that babe is thyself I 

Chlo. : Can this be so? 

Arg. : I can bring forward two ancient priests who 
received confession thereof from thy grand- 

16 



ACT I. BABYLON 

father Y/hen be lay dying-. But he bound 
those priests by the ^reat oath of Belus that 
they should keep silence until the child Chlora 
reached the age of fifteen, when they were to 
speak unto the High Priest who should be in 
those days, and abide by his judgment. 
Wherefore a year ago they came unto me, and 
my judgment was that they should still keep 
silence until we should see how matters went. 
Att.: {Without.') O Alfgarl 

( Alf. steps to door at side. ) 
Alf. : Nergal, Prince of Nineveh, craveth audience. 
Chlo.: I kiss the hand of Prince Nergal, and pray 

him to return at a more convenient season. 
Arg. : O Princess, this Nergal is a man well favored 

and of high gifts. Hast thou marked him? 
Chlo. : As a maiden may mark a great captain. 
Arg. : It is in my mind that he hath marked thee 
more closely. How thinkest thou: would his 
suit find grace in thine eyes? 
Chlo. : It were a fitting time to answer that question 

when Nergal himself asketh it. 
Arg.: Nay, Princess, lay aside maiden coyness. I 
am persuaded that Nergal would risk life for 
thy sake. Bethink thee how many swords he 
can command in support of thy claim to the 
throne. 
Chlo.: Hast thou and he counselled together as 
touching this matter of the kingdom? 

17 



BABYLON ACT i. 

Arc: We have, and the hour seemeth ripe. Nebu- 
chadnezzar's ill-advised war against Tyre 
hath caused much disaffection in the army, 
and his mildness toward unbelievers hath 
greatly affronted the priesthood. Do thou but 
speak the word, and thou hast Nergal with 
the army and Argon with the priesthood 
ready to dare all in thy cause. 

Chlo. : But what of Nebuchadnezzar and Nitocris? 

Arg. : Thine ears, O Chlora, are tender, and my 
words may sound harsh; yet are great marks 
not reached by dainty paths. The grave must 
claim Nebuchadnezzar ere thou canst claim 
thine inheritance, and a cell in the Temple of 
Belus must thenceforth hide Nitocris, or thy 
kingdom standeth but on a foundation of 
quicksand. I have now told thee all, and it 
resteth with thee to decide. Thou canst live 
and die a dependent upon the bounty of Neb- 
uchadnezzar; or thou canst raise the standard 
of Belus, take Nergal for thine husband, and 
ascend the throne of thy fathers. Surely, 
thou art no true Heir of the House of Babylon 
if thou takest long to make thy choice. 

Chlo.: I must at least take long enongh to offer in- 
cense unto Astarte and beseech her guidance. 
Tomorrow I will let thee know what answer 
I feel mine heart to have received from the 
Goddess. 

Arg.: So be it. In the meantime, O thou hope of 

18 



ACT I. . BABYLON 

Babylon, may the blessings of Astarte be upon 
thee I 

{Exit Arg.) 

Alf. : Gracious Princess, I feel that danger threaten- 
eth thee, decide this matter how thou mayst, 

for I know that Argon is esteemed to be 
subtler and more crafty than any priest in 
Babylon. Yet would I have thee confident 
that betwixt thy life and any who would harm 
thee, yea, were it the king himself, thou 
shalt ever find the arm of Alfgar. 
Chlo. : Wouldst thou choose death and disgrace in 
my cause, rather than life and honor in the 
cause of the King? 
A1.F. : I have met Death front to front ere now, and 
fear him not. As touching honor and dis- 
grace, these be as a man looketh at them. 
Thine hand, sweet Princess, is soft and white, 
and many a fair gift can it bestow, yea, gifts 
that men would gladly die to possess; nor am 
I less than a man, though to thee I be but as 
mine own sword and harness be to me. Yet 
^ are these gifts of thine but for a few brief 

years at longest. The hand of Odin is hard 
and brown, but in it are the gifts that shall 
abide until the stars wax old and the Gods 
themselves bow their heads for age. And of 
those gifts doth Odin choose the fairest for 
him who falleth in the path of duty; for in 
Valhalla shall the judgment of men be held a 

19 



BABYLON ACT i. 

lig-ht thing, nor shall their praise be more 
esteemed than is the flame of a taper under 
the noonday sun. 
Chlo.: I understand thee, Alfgar; and from this 
hour will Chlora place full trust in thy fidel- 
ity, knowing- that thou dost hold thy faith 
above purchase by the rewards of earth. Art 
thou content ? 

(Chi,o. gives Alf. her hand\ Alf. kneels.) 

Ai.F.: Yeal Kven as is the Raven when she feeleth 
the touch of mine hand amidst the trumpets. 
Att. : ( Without) O Alf garl 

( Ai.F. steps to door at side. ) 

Alf.: Princess, the master of magicians, Daniel, is 
without, and beseecheth audience on a matter 
of life and death. 

Chlo. : He hath permission to enter. 
(^«/^r Dan.) 

Dan. : O Chlora, the God of the Hebrews hath sent 

me unto thee with a message. 

Chlo. : Alf gar, thou mayst retire a few paces. My 

lord Daniel, the King's command is that 

Alfgar shall never quit my presence. Now, 

as to thine errand, mine ear is open and my 

mind attent. 

Dan.: I speak not of mine own wisdom, but as the 

matter hath been revealed unto me in a 

vision. Wherefore, although I am of the 

20 



ACT I. BABYLON 

King's council, I spake not of this to Him, 
nor can I speak until after that thou hast 
chosen thy path. Dost thou follow me? 
Chlo.: I follow thee; proceed. 
^ Dan. : Hath not Argon been lately with thee? 

^ Chlo.: He hath, O Daniel. 

Dan. : Did he not counsel thee to lend thyself unto 
deeds from which thy soul shrank ? 

Chlo.: He did, he did! But, O mysterious man, how 
didst thou know me better than I knew 
myself? For not until this moment was I 
assured whether mine heart deemed Argon 
to be a counselor of good or of evil I 

Dan.: I am but the voice; the words are His in 

whose hand are the hearts of all. 
Chlo. : I would hear more. 

Dan. : Thou shalt; for therefore am I come. Beware 
the counsel of Argon; for Nebuchadnezzar is 
a chosen instrument of Heaven, and they who 
oppose him, oppose the might of Jehovah, 
against whom no sword can hold nor any wis- 
^ dom prevail. 

Chlo.: O Daniel, thy words are acceptable unto me, 
and I shall weigh them well. Yet would I 
know of thee whether thy Jehovah be in 
truth able to protect me from the wrath of 
Belus and Astarte, if I scorn the counsel of 
their High Priest ? 
Dan.: To this end, power hath been given me to 

21 



BABYLON ACT i. 

shew thee a sig-n. Look, then, into thine own 
heart, whilst I tell thee that of thyself which 
thou hast never suspected. For art thou not 
a virg-in among- virgins, and is not Babylon 
and its glory thy lover and thine husband ? 

Chlo. : I tremble at thy words I Hath mine heart 
harbored unknown to me one thought of 
treason to mine high estate? 
Dan.: Nay, for the mark whereon thine eye hath 
fixed itself is lofty and befitteth thy station. 
Know then, assuredly, that as from out the 
earth springeth a little shoot whose tendrils 
are to spread and clasp the oak above in ever- 
waxing fullness of embrace, so in thine heart 
(Chlo. and Dan. both rise) hath sprung un- 
seen a love for him who sitteth in thy rightful 
place upon the throne of BabylonI 
Chlo. Thy Jehovah is indeed the God of Gods I Yet 
— ah, unsay those words I It can not be — it 
must not be I 

(Chlo. totters; Dan. supports her,) 

Alf. : {Advancing) Here is the arm devoted to such 

service! 
Dan.: Alfgar, I make no challenge of thine honest 

purpose; do thou respect mine own integrity, 

nor seek to stand betwixt thy mistress and the 

light of Heaven I 
Alf. : Truly, that light shall never shine the less on 

her for any act of mine I (^Aside) Has Alf- 

22 



ACT I. BABYLON 

^ar, the son of Olaf, lived to yield before a 
priest, as believing- him to be honest? 

Chlo. : Daniel, thy Jehovah must be a terrible God I 

Dan. : Na}^ Princess. To the evil doer He is indeed 
a God of wrath, but to the just His words are 
ever those of comfort; and if thou wilt lay to 
thine heart this saying- of Solomon the Wise, 
*' Remember now thy Creator in the days of 
thy youth," thou shalt live to know that the 
righteous is never forsaken. 

(^.v/ZDan.) 

Chlo.: Was ever woman so hard bestead? Raised 
within the very shadow of the throne, and 
taught to prize above all other things the 
thought that one day it might chance that I 
should sit thereon, and now offered that 
throne as mine undoubted right — and yet, 
that I should reign, he who I love must die I 
Alfgar, my trusty Alfgar, I need the counsel 
of a friend as never did woman before I 

Alf.: Would that thou hadst it! Would that it 
were mine to give I But, alas, Alfgar can 
bring to thee only devotion; it is not from a 
hand such as his that thou canst receive the 
high gift of friendship. A rough soldier is 
but a rough soldier, and must never think to 
rise above his place through the troubles of 
those who are higher. 
23 



Bx^BYLON ACT I. 

Chlo.: Thou speakest truly, Alfgar, and I honor 
thee for so doing-. But where, ah where, can 
I turn for counsel ? 

( Alf. points upward. ) 



24 



ACT II. 

SCKNK I. 
THRONED ROOM AT BABYLON. 

Present: Nebuchadnezzar^ Herald and attendants. 



Hkr.: Place for Chlora, Princess of Babylon, the 
Third Ruler in the King-dom! 

{Enter C^-hO. and Alv.: Chlo. kneels to Neb.) 

Chlo. : O King-, I have a suit unto thee, and one that 
is meet for thine ear only. 

Nkb. : Sayest thou so? Methought thy countenance 
seemed troubled. {To Her. and Airs') Let 
all men g-o forth I {To Chi.o.) What of Alf- 
g-ar? 

Chlo. : I would that Alf gar did remain. 

{Exit Her. and Atfs. ; Chlo. takes her seat.) 

Neb. : And now, my pretty kinswoman, what is thy 
suit ? Hast thou some importunate lover, or 
some even more importunate creditor ? 

Chlo.: Nay, O Nebuchadnezzar; it is thy life and 

thy kingdom 1 
Nfb. : My life and my king-dom I And whose hand is 
raised against them? Surely it can not be 
thine? 

25 



BABYLON ACT ii. 

Chlo. : (^Looking at her hand) Mine were a weak 
hand for such a task, were it not ? Yet, did 
I so choose, this very day all Babylon's 
priests and all her captains should obey the 
lifting- of that hand, weak though it be I 
Then what were thy life, O Nebuchadnezzar, 
and where were thy king-dom? 

Neb.: Chlora, I will not believe thee traitor, albeit 
thy words sound strangely. 

Chlo. : Yet were it treason, and my plans so laid 
that thou hadst no escape, what then? 

Neb. : {Rising and drawing sword) Then assuredly 
we twain die here I {Advances on Chlo.) Call 
in thy fellow-traitors 1 

Alf. : {Interposing) Remember, O King, that I am 
sworn to defend the Princess against all men I 

Neb.: This to me? Then look thy last upon thy 
Princess, for never yet did man stand single- 
handed before the arm of Nebuchadnezzar! 

Chlo. : {Drawing Ale. hack) O my kinsman and 
my King*, mine eyes do feast themselves upon 
thee as thou dost stand thus royally on thy 
defense for life and crown I Learn, then, 
that here thou dealest with no traitor, but 
rather with one who hath come to expose the 
treason of others. 

Neb.: Said I not so? Thy face could never mask 
treason. {Sheathes sword) Yet if thou dost 
thus play with fire, my pretty kinswoman, 

26 



ACT II. 



BABYLON 



some day it may burn thee. (Alf. kneels) 
Nay, Alfg-ar, thou didst but according- to 
thine oath, and I will not so wrong thee as to 
sa}^ thou art pardoned. 

Alf.: {Rising) O King, may thine enemies be con- 
founded I 
Chlo. : {Kneeling) Canst thou pardon my folly? 

Neb.: Yea, if thou canst pardon mine in being- vexed 
and chiding thee. {Raises Chlo., zvho takes 
her seat. ) Now tell me all thine errand. 

Chlo.: Runneth not thy memory back to the day 
when Nineveh was taken? Methinks thou 
must then have been full eighteen years of 
age. 
Neb.: Yea, I can well remember it; and how thy 
father, Belshinar, though but a youth scarce 
passed sixteen, fell like a g-ray-bearded warrior 
upon the bodies of those whom he had slain, 
as likewise did mine elder brother, Senadar. 
Truly, that was a bloody day! 
Chi,o. : Dost thou remember the wife of Belshinar ? 

Neb.: She who was thy mother ? Partly I do; but 
better do I remember the wife of Senadar, and 
often have I thought that there was some- 
thing- in thy face which brought her back to 
me. 
Chlo. : Now come we to the point. Arg-on, the Hig-h 
Priest, holdeth undoubted proofs that it was 
not the wife of Belshinar, but the wife of 

27 



BABYLON ACT ii. 

Senadar, whose was the child called Chlora. 

Neb.: Thou amazest me I Then thou art the daug-h- 

ter of Senadar I Thou art — 
Chlo. : The Queen of BabylonI 
Nkb. : Can this indeed be true! And comest thou to 

claim the kingdom at mine hand '^ 

Chi.o. : Of the tale's truth thou canst certify thyself 
by summoning Argon, and his every word 
was spoken before Alfgar. As touching the 
kingdom, had I seen best to claim it, I had 
not come to thee, but had pledged myself 
unto Argon, who, backed by his priests, 
standeth ready for revolt, being over-zealous 
for the honor of Belus. And by his side also 
Nergal, the son of Sharezer, backed by his 
captains, standeth ready for revolt, being 
chafed by the outcome of the war against 
Tyre. Now, this could I have done. I could 
have certified Argon that the worship of 
Belus should be strictly observed of all men, 
and to Nergal could I have pledged mine 
hand in marriage: so should the kingdom 
have been mine. But being warned by Dan- 
iel the Hebrew, and also by mine own better 
self, I have chosen rather to divulge the 
whole matter, which indeed reached mine ear 
but yesterday. And now, O King, it is for 
thee to do what seemeth good in thine eyes. 
If the fall of Chlora's head shall make thine 
own rest the easier, I am but a weak girl, 

28 



ACT II. BABYLON 

and will even release this captain from liis 
oath. 

Neb. : Enough wrong- hath been done thee already; 
it needeth not that I should add thereto by 
taking- thy blood upon mine hands. And yet 
I can not jaeld thee up the kingdom, though 
it be thy right. 

Chlo. : Keep thou the king-dom, and defend it wor- 
thily, as thou hast done hitherto. So shall 
Chlora be content, nor ever trouble thee. 

Neb. : Yea, but thy children I 

Chlo. : Have not I frowned upon the suit of Nergal ? 
It is not in my mind that children shall ever 
call me mother. 

Neb. : Alf g-ar, thou mayst retire beyond the sound of 
our words. Tell me, Chlora, hast thou never 
seen a man thou didst deem worthy of thee? 

Chlo. : That is a keen question. I pray thee, do not 
urge me on a subject so ill befitting a maid- 
en's tongue. 

Neb. : (Aside) She doth not say, nay. And why did 
she refuse the kingdom? Why, indeed, if her 
heart did not gainsay her ambition? Unhappy 
Chloral I must deal gently v/ith thee. {To 
Chlo.) Dear kinswoman, I have not as yet 
thanked thee for this great service; and indeed 
no thanks that I could offer were worthy 
either of my giving or of thy receiving, for 
the power of a King oft falleth below the 

29 



BABYLON ACT ii. 

desert of those he would reward. In this, it 

is an hard fate to be a King*, that it cutteth a 

man off from his kind. His tasks are not his 

own to select as he would; his pleasures are 

not his own to enjoy as he would; even his 

heart is not his own to bestow as he would. In 

all these he is but the gilded slave of the 

crown he weareth. Behold I shew unto thee 

a matter of high policy of state. Babylon's 

only rival is Egypt, and with a Princess of 

that kingdom must I wed, that the two be 

drawn together under one crown in later days. 

Such is the freedom of choice permitted to me, 

the King of Kingsl For thyself, since thou 

hast told me of thy parentage, can I see no 

better fate than to remain ever virgin, if that 

thou boldest the weal of Babylon supreme; 

and when thine heart first beginneth to flutter 

its wings, thou must clip them, cost thee what 

it may, for love is a thing which appertaineih 

to them whose lot is cast on a lower level. 

Chlo. : O Nebuchadnezzar, thou art a great King, 

and I am but the creature of thy breath. 

Thou hast thy policies of state, compared 

with which the weal or woe of one poor 

woman's heart seemeth a matter too small 

for thought. Yet had not that heart pleaded 

for thee, surely before this sun had set would 

all thy plans have been but as a thistle-down 

upon the summer breeze! Yea, I know that 

thou hast fathomed my secret; nor do I blush 

30 



ACT 11. BABYLON 

to avow that I love thee, for when thou art 
thine own true self, unwarped by these thy 
dreams of glory, thou art a man worthy to be 
loved ! Then cast not thou lightly aside the 
love of one who hath resigned all and dared 
all for thy sake. What ! Not a word ? Not 
a look ? / have this day given thee a king- 
dom; am I to receive but thy contempt in 
return ? 

Ai.F. : i^Aside) Now can I tell that she is pleading 
for more than life, even for love. And yet 
shall not her pleading prevail, for the King's 
heart is given to Babylon and to glory. 

Neb. : Think not, dear Chlora, that I prize this thy 
latest gift more lightly than it should be 
prized, for none knoweth better than I that 
the love of a pure virgin is a gift for the 
Gods. But calm thy troubled bosom; thou 
hast been over-wrought, and rest will cause 
many things to change their seeming in thine 
eyes. Now must I turn my thoughts unto 
these traitors and their overthrow, wherefore 
will I bid thee farewell for a space. Mean- 
time, let all these matters rest between our- 
selves, and be assured thy confidence shall 
never find betrayal at mine hand. 

Chi.0.: Soft words can sometimes kill, O King, as 
well as sword and axe I 

(^Exit Chlo. and Alf. ) 
31 



BABYLON ACT ii. 

Nkb.: What hoi Without I 

{Enter Herald.) 

Her.: Did thy servant hear the King's voice? 

Neb. : Have word quickly sent unto Daniel the He- 
brev7, for I would speak with him. Also sum- 
mon Arg-on the High Priest, and let him wait 
without until Daniel leaveth me. 

{Exit Herald; enter Dan.) 

Dan.: Peace be unto thee, O King! Thy servant 
had but now come within the palace gate, 
when it was told him that thou didst desire 
his presence. 

Neb.: I know, O Daniel, that thou art favored of 
Heaven, and that nothing is hid from thee. 
Wherefore tell me this: Is Chlora indeed the 
daughter of mine elder brother, even Senadar? 

Dan. : She is in truth, O King, for so it hath been 
revealed unto me in a vision. And also are 
the other thoughts of thy mind true; for Ar- 
gon and Nergal have plotted together against 
thy life, that they might set thy crown upon 
the head of Chlora. But let not thine heart 
be troubled because of them, for save in this 
one thing that they would fain see Chlora in 
thy room, they hold not closely together, be- 
ing envious and fearful one of the other, and 
that with good cause. Wherefore, so soon as 
they find that Chlora will none of their plot, 
they must needs be quiet. Howbeit, O King, 

32 



ACT II. BABYLON 

I say unto thee that thou mayst not shed their 
blood, for their time is not yet come. 

Neb. : Nay, Daniel, tell me not what I may do, for 
my spirit is too proud that I should suffer this, 
even though I know in mine heart that thy 
Jehovah is indeed the God of Gods and that 
thou speakest as His mouth. Nor yet do thou 
forestall my questions, but rather let me ask 
and do thou answer; for my thoughts must 
needs be clear, and over-many marvels cloud 
the mind. 

Dan. : Put forth thy questions, and thy servant will 
reply as it shall be given him. 

Neb. : Will Chlora remain true, as she hath promised? 

Dan. : She will remain ever true unto thee, O King. 

Neb.: Then shall my kingdom be indeed secure I 
And how fare mine ambassadors to Egypt? 
Is the Princess to be given unto me in mar- 
riage? 

Dan. : Nay, my lord the King. Thine ambassadors 
are even now returning, laden with rich gifts; 
but the hand of the Princess shall not be 
added unto those gifts. 

Neb. : What I Did proud Pharaoh scorn the suit of 
Nebuchadnezzar ? 

Dan.: Pharaoh answered not with words of scorn. 
His "nay" was spoken with voice of velvet, 
yet was it spoken with lips of flint, for he 
hateth thee because of the destruction of 

33 



BABYLON ACT ii. 

Tyre, which was a bulwark betwixt himself 
and thee. 

Neb.: Methinks I am like to repent the war with 
Tyre, for out of it seemeth to spring- a brood 
of vipers that rise against me on every side. 
And yet thou didst encourage me therein, as 
speaking for thy God. 

Dan.: Now will I plainly shew unto thee what thou 
hast been profited by the Tyrian war. Thy 
border doth now touch that of Egypt, nor 
doth any foe stand in thy path betwixt thee 
and that kingdom. Thou hast an army well 
knit together, proved in battle, and eager for 
plunder as a famished wolf is for the prey. 
Moreover, thou hast received an affront from 
Pharaoh, and canst turn thine arms against 
him, thereby taking a shorter and more cer- 
tain road to gaining Egypt than were the 
road of marriage. 

Neb.: My resolve is made! Pharaoh shall be hum- 
bled I 

Dan. : Go forth, O King, in thy might, for Jehovah 
is with thee! 

Neb.: Beseech thy God that He may be favorable 
unto me, and I will offer him a daily sacrifice. 
I thank thee for all thou hast made known 
unto me, and will see thee again at the Great 
Council, which I must straightway call to- 
gether. Go in peace I 

(^Exit Dan. ; enter Herald, ) 

34 



ACT II. BABYLON 

Her.: O King, the High Priest is come, according 
to thy command. 

Nkb. : Let him enter. And do thou give forth that 
all my councilors are to meet me here when 
the sun is three hours low, for there are 
weighty matters to be considered. 

{Exit Hei'ald; enter Arg.) 

Arg. : Blessed be thou of Belus, O King! 

Neb. : For Belus is the mightiest of Gods, as it saith 
in the service of the Temple. And thou, O 
Argon, surely art the most zealous of his 
priests. Yea, and by his favor hast thou been 
gifted with wisdom to solve hard problems; 
wherefore have I now sent for thee, that thou 
mayst aid me in answering some deep ques- 
tions. 

Arg. : Speak, O King, for thy servant listeneth. 

Neb. : Truly, O Argon, thou art in a lowly frame of 
mind to-day; it is long since I have heard thee 
use that phrase, "thy servant." But to the 
matters on my mind. This is the first. A 
certain merchant had many servants, of whom 
two were the chief. Now, these two men had 
been long in their master's service, and each 
was proud of his own wisdom. So it came to 
pass that one day they communed between 
themselves after this fashion: "The ways 
of our master please us not, for we love our 
own ways better. Let us speak unto the son 

35 



BABYLON ACT II. 

of our master and make him to think that our 
ways are better than the ways of his father, 
so that he may cry unto the judg-es and cause 
them to g-ive the inheritance into his hand, 
lest his father waste it foolishly by reason of 
his age. Thus shall we be enabled to follow 
the ways of our own choosing-." All this came 
to the ear of the merchant, for his son 
straightv/ay told him thereof; and his wrath 
waxed hot ag-ainst those two servants, so that 
he paid them their wag-es and bade them g-o. 
But they came and besought me that I should 
command the merchant to take them back 
into his service as before, since it had been in 
the integrity of their hearts that they had 
done this thing, lest the inheritance of the 
heir had indeed been wasted. Now, my sen- 
tence, is that it is for a master to rule and for 
a servant to obey, which endeth the matter; 
while others say that a servant hath good 
right to esteem his own wisdom above that of 
his master. What sayest thou? 

Arc: Thy sentence, O King, is the just sentence. 
For why doth a man pay wages unless it be 
that he shall be served ? And why should a 
man wish to be served, unless the service be 
according to his own mind ? 

Neb.: Such, then, shall the sentence be. Now would 
I call upon Ihy wisdom from another quarter, 
and one most pertinent to thine own interest. 
Thou, O Argon, hast been greatly favored by 

36 



ACT II. BABYLON 

me, and by my father before me. Thou hast 
been raised to the dignity of Hig-h Priest, and 
a goodly provision made for thee out of the 
royal treasure. Thine authority over thy 
fellow priests hath never been curbed, though 
seen to increase daily until thou hast become 
more of a God to them than merely an High 
Priest. Thine hand hath even been known to 
meddle in matters of state, and thou hast 
escaped rebuke. Hence, that thou shouldst be 
something puffed up with pride is scarce mat- 
ter for amazement. But from this day and 
forward, lay it to thine heart that the circlet 
on Nebuchadnezzar's brow is there by the 
favor of Heaven, not by any favor of thine; 
and that whatsoever rewards thou mayst 
claim to be in thy gift as touching the world 
to come, the rewards of this world, such as 
crowns and thrones, are not committed into 
thy keeping. Mark me, and mark me well I 
If thou dost heed this my counsel thou shalt 
prosper, nor shall I ever refer to any disfavor 
thou mayst have done me in the past. But if 
thou dost not heed it, (^Laying hand on axe) 
I will hew off every head in the priesthood of 
Babylon, but I will make sure of thine I 
Answer me not, but go thy way, and peace be 
with thee I 
Arc: May Belus preserve thee, O King! i^Aside) 
And me also I 

(^Exit Arg.) 

37 



BABYLON ACT ii. 

Neb. : Truly, Belus hath little leisure if he attendeth 
to all these pleas for protection! But this 
much thereof am I minded to spare him; I will 
see to protecting- myself for the next few 
hours. ( Taking axe in hand and looking at it) 
The Great Council meeteth when the sun hath 
dropped half way down the western sky; and 
ere that sun is set, the fate of Babylon's 
throne will have been decided. Then lift up 
thine head, O Nebuchadnezzar, and strength- 
en thine heart I {Rising, axe in hand) Thou 
hast lived as a King, and thou canst die as a 
Kingl 



-e®g3®9- 



SCENE II. 



Enter Chlora and Alfgar, 



Chlo.: Scarce can I catch my breath since speaking- 

with the Kingl How stern a man is he I For 

a moment it seemed that there was but one 

step betwixt me and death I 

Ale.: The metal that heweth through king-doms 

needeth to be stern stuff. But as for death, 

Alfgar was betwixt thee and it, and he may 

count for at least the second step. 

Chlo. : Yea; and in this have I svirely proven thee, 

38 



ACT II. BABYLON 

that thou wilt stand firm in my defense, even 
against the King-. Accept my thanks and 
the renewed assurance of my trust I 
{Enter att.) 
Att. : O Princess, the noble Prince Nergal craveth 

audience. 
Chlo. : Let the Prince enter. 

{Exit att. ; enter Nkr.) 
Ner.: O Chlora, beautiful as the morn in spring- 
time, I salute theel 
Chlo. : Peace be unto thee, O Prince. It was with 

regret that I did defer thee yesterday. 
Ner. : Mine was the keener regret. But at last do I 
see thy face, which is even as the face of 
Astarte for glory and for beauty. Might thy 
servant pray that thou wouldst of thy grace 
grant him a few words with thee between 
ourselves alone? 
Chlo.: Wast thou not there when the King com- 
manded that I see no man save in the pres- 
ence of Alf gar ? 
Ner.: Yea, I was there. But for this once, sweet 
Princess, let me beseech thee to forget that 
command. 
Chlo.: I can not do this thing, O Nergal. Speak 
freely what thou hast to say, for Alfgar can 
be trusted. 
Ner. : I yield to thy behest. Listen then patiently, 
yea, and graciously; for mine be words that 

39 



BABYLON ACT ii. 

heart. O Chlora, thou art 
the Princess of Bab34on, the Heir to the 
Throne, the Third Ruler in the King-dom; and 
thou art learned in all wisdom, so that men of 
gray hairs bow before thy knowledg-e; more- 
over, thou art beautiful, with the beauty of a 
Goddess. Yea, mine eyes do fail and mine 
heart f ainteth as I gaze upon thee and think 
of all thou art I Yet am I, even I, Nergal the 
son of Sharezer, not wholly unworthy of thy 
glance. For I am in mine own right Prince 
of the broad domain of Nineveh, vv^here I do 
hold a court second only to that of Babylon, 
and though but thirty years of age, I am chief 
of the captains, proved in many a hard fought 
battle, for since my youth have I ever worn 
harness; but above all, O Chlora, with such a 
love as never yet did man give unto v/oman 
{kneeling) I do love thee I 

Chi.o. : Prince Nergal, I can hear no more. Rise, I 
pray thee. 

Ner. : Chlora, Chlora, be not deaf unto my suit I I 
will be thy slave! I will make thee Queen 
of my life! Yea, if thou sayest it, I will make 
thee Queen of Babylon I 

Chlo.: Peace, O Prince I I can not listen to thy love; 

still less can I listen to treason against my 

King. 
Ner.: {Advancing) Chlora, thou must be mine, 
whether thou wilt or no I 

40 



ACT II. BABYLON 

Chi.0. : Stay, Prince Nerg-al I Bethink thee what 
thou doest I I warn thee to hear my voice I 

Ner. : It is but the voice of a maideni 

(Ner. advances; Alf. interposes.^ 

Alf. : Yea, but as speaketh the voice of that maiden, 
so striketh the arm of Alfgarl 

Ner.; (^Stepping back and drawing szuord) If there 
be a better swordsman than is Nergal, among-st 
the captains of Babylon, it were time I knew 
thereof ! 

Alf.: (^Striking sword from hand of Ner.) / have 
long- known thereof I 

Chi.0. : (^Placing foot on swoj'd) Stand by the door 
quickly, O Alf g-ar I Art thou content, my 
lord Nerg-al ? A fine tale it were to come 
unto the King's ear, that his Chief Captain 
had been brawling- within the apartments of 
the Princess of Babylon I And what better 
could have been looked for, if mine attend- 
ants, hearing the clash of arms, had broken 
in upon us? Hast thou gone mad? I could 
indeed think so, for very pity. Truly, a 
brave figure dost thou make, standing with 
thy life in the hand of her whom a moment 
since thou didst flout as being but a maideni 
Yea, and in my present temper it were easy 
for me to sheathe this dagger in thine heart 1 
Yet take thy life for this time, and see thou 
dost amend thy ways I 

41 



BABYLON ACT ii. 

Scene III. 

THRONE ROOM AT BABYLON. 

Present: Neh., Nito.^ Chio,, Dan., Arg,, Alf., Her,, 
Captains, Priests and attendants. 



Her.: Place for Nerg-al, Prince of Nineveh, Chief 
Captain of the armies of Babylon! 

(^;2/^r Ner., left; Arg. detains him in passing.^ 

Arc: (^Aside to I^^isl.') All is discovered, and onr 
plot is ended I Be prudent, if that thou val- 
uest thine head I 

(Ner. gives Arg. an expressive look, and takes his place, ) 

Her.: Hearken, all je men of wisdom, and all ye 
men of war; for Nebuchadnezzar the King is 
about to speak! 

Neb. : O ye of the Great Council of Babylon, heark- 
en dilig-ently unto my words. Be it known 
unto you all, that I did send ambassadors to 
Egypt, even unto Pharaoh, that he should give 
me the Princess his daughter in marriage; a 
thing which, as it seemed in mine eyes and in 
the eyes of them with whom I took counsel, 
would greatly advantage the kingdom of 
Babylon. But this day have I heard sure 
tidings that Pharaoh utterly refuseth my suit. 
Wherefore it seemed good unto me to call the 

42 



ACT 11. BABYLON 

Great Council tog-ether and to speak with 
those of je who are the chief thereof, that I 
mig-ht know what were your temper and 
whether ye were minded to sit tamely down 
under so g-rievous an affront. Nitocris, my 
beloved mother, what sayest thou? 

NiTO. : Only this: that were thy father Nabopolassar 
in thy room, he had not waited to call the 
Great Council tog-ether, but had been in 
harness and on horse, with his face set 
toward Eg-ypt, ere the blast of a trumpet 
could have died away I 

Neb. : Princess Chlora, what is thy mind ? 

Chlo. : I am young- to speak on affairs of state, O 
King-, neither had I before heard of this am- 
bassag-e. Wherefore would I wish that my 
voice be not given. 

Neb. : Arg-on, thou wert of those with whom I coun- 
selled ere I sent to Pharaoh. How likest thou 
his answer? 

Arg.: Doubtless, O King Nebuchadnezzar, Pharaoh 
doth feel secure in the protection of Isis, the 
chief of the Gods of Egypt. But we of Babylon 
hold that the might of Belus is greater than 
that of any other God. Wherefore would I 
counsel that a fast be proclaimed, and I will 
implore Belus that he send upon the land 
of Egypt such plagues as shall leave the 
Temple of Isis with but few to worship there- 

43 



BABYLON ACT ii. 

in. So shall all men see that Belus is indeed 
the God of Babylon. 
Neb.: Nerg-al, thou also knewest of this offer of 
alliance. Thinkest thou with Argon that it 
were better to leave Belus to fig-ht out the 
quarrel for us, or shall we aid him with a few 
swords and perchance a chariot or two? 

Ner.: It is a long- march to Kg"ypt, O King-, and 
Pharaoh hath mighty armies. Methinks it 
were as well to wait until Belus hath begun 
to smite the Egyptians before we draw our 
swords. 

Neb.: Daniel, thou didst approve my asking that 
Pharaoh give me the Princess to wife. What 
thinkest thou of the outcome thereof ? 

Dan. : My mind, O King, is as the mind of thy moth- 
er the Queen. 

Neb. : Two speak for war, two speak for peace, and 
one speaketh not at all. The scales seem 
balanced marvelous even. Princess Chlora, 
canst thou not find courage to give thy voice? 

Chi,o. : Wilt thou that I depute Alf gar to speak in 
my stead ? A captain is fitter to judge of 
such a matter than is a maiden. 

Neb. : For this once, thou hast permission so to do. 
Alfgar, let us hear what thou sayest. 

Alf. : What saith the eagle when her eye is upon the 
prey? Yea, what saith thine own heart, O 
King? For a just war is the breath of a 

44 



ACT II. BABYLON 

captain's nostrils, and a righteous quarrel 
doth make the ag-ed soldier to renew his 
j^outhl Shew to the Gods that thou canst 
fight for thyself, O Nebuchadnezzar, and then 
mayst thou indeed rely upon their aid I 

Nee.: Now are the voices of three for war. And 
mine o\vn voice goeth also with them. Then, 
Argon, thou and thy priests, pray for the 
success of Babylon's armies! Let the sacri- 
fices be slain and let the incense arise, whilst 
thou chantest the hymns of invocation! And 
thou, Nergal, and thy captains, prepare to 
strike boldly in the cause of thy King"! Let 
the chariots be brought forth, and let the men 
of might gird on their swords and take shield 
and spear! So shall we descend upon Egypt 
as a tempest of hail upon a fruitful field, and 
the heart of Pharaoh shall die within his 
bosom when our chariots flash before his eyes 
as the lightning and his ears are filled with 
the thunder of our horsemen! Sound, trump- 
ets! For war is declared against Pharaoh! 

{^Floitrish of trumfets; sho7't.) 

Hbr.: Hear all ye people! War is declared against 
Pharaoh of Kgypt by Nebuchadnezzar the 
King! 

{^Flourish of Trumj;)ets ; longer,) 

Neb, : Methinks I can see doubt in some faces, and 
discontent in others. Some of ye priests per- 

45 



BABYLON ACT ii. 

chance are doubtful, as fearing- lest I relj too 
little upon Belus and too much upon mine 
armies. Some of ye captains perchance are 
discontented, as remembering the Tyrian war 
and how small was the prey thereof in compar- 
ison with its labors. Now, to those priests, 
can I say this. Your High Priest, even Ar- 
gon, and myself have come to such an under- 
standing as hath satisfied him of my devotion 
to the service of the Gods of Babylon and of 
my well meaning" toward the priesthood, inso- 
much that when we parted he did especially 
commend me unto the protection of Belus. 
Was it not so, O Argon? 
Arg. : So was it in truth, O King. 

Neb.: Then let me hear your voices, O ye priests, 
whether or no ye will render cheerful support 
unto your King. 

Arg. and Priests: O King Nebuchadnezzar, may 

thine enemies be confounded I 

Neb.: And now, O ye captains, this can I say to 
you. The labors of the Tyrian war shall 
more than be made good unto us in this war 
against Pharaoh, for Tyre no longer lurketh 
as a lion by the wayside to spring upon us 
from behind when once we be on the borders 
of Egypt; and the spoil of Egypt shall be 
great, so that it shall make us to forget the 
disappointment of Tyre. Yet this also would 
I say unto you. I have heard many murmur- 

46 



ACT II. BABYIyON 

ing-s because of the war against Tyre, whereby 
I know that some amongst you do lack confi- 
dence in my leadership and others do seek 
color for rebellion against mine authority. 
But such must not be the temper wherein ye 
march against Pharaoh. Ye must go down 
into Egypt knit together as one man, for the 
bare thought of treachery will cause tried 
warriors to flee after that they have won the 
battle. Now, therefore, decide amongst your- 
selves, which is he who is best fitted to lead 
you. Shall it be I, or another ? {Rises and 
steps to edge of dais) If any will put himself 
forward, I, Nebuchadnezzar, will here meet 
him, face to face, before you all; and he who 
is the victor, let him wear the crown of 
Babylon and win the crown of Egypt 1 {De- 
scends from dais and throws robe from his 
shoulders') There lieth the King! {Draws 
sword) Here standeth the Captain! Which of 
you dare do battle with him for the Kingdom? 

( Capts, fall back in disinay. ) 



47 



ACT III. 

SCKNE I. 
STREET BEFORE THE TEMPLE OF BEI.US. 

Present: Nito.^ Dan.^ ^'^S-, Her,^ fi'iests^ captains 
and attendants. 



Chant of Priests. 
All hail to him who doth return in peace, 
The double crown of Egypt on his head. 
Acknowledged now his reign in ev'ry clime, 
From turbid Nile to our Euphrates fair. 
Then let us chant our joyful hymns of praise, 
While clouds of incense rise to Heaven's dome I 

{Enter Neb., Chi.o., Ai.f., Ner., captains^ soldiers 
and prisoners.') 

Chant of Priests. 
Hail unto him who hath humbled proud Egypt I 
Hail unto him who hath scattered her armies I 
Hail unto him who prevailed against Pharaohl 
Hail unto Nebuchadnezzar the King I 

Neb.: {Kneeling to NiTO.) Mother, thy son is re- 
turned I 
NiTO. : Son of mine heart, thy mother's arms are 
open to receive thee I Rise, and accept of 

48 



ACT III. BABYLON 

this my proud embrace I And likewise receive 
thy crown, which more than ever thou art 
worthy to wear! ( Takes crown from her head 
and places it on head o/ I^-e^b.) For Nebu- 
chadnezzar the King- is returned in peace, 
and again reigneth in his own land I 

Her.: Hear all ye people 1 Nitocris the Queen giv- 
eth back the crown of Babylon, which she 
hath worn according to his command, unto its 
rightful owner, even unto her son, Nebuchad- 
nezzar the King! 

(^Flourish of trumj)ets.) 

Chi.0. : {Kneeling to ^iro.) My more than mother, 
hast thou no word of welcome for Chlora? 

NiTO. : (^Raising Cwi^o.y embracing her and sfeakirig 
side to her) Dear child I Would that I 
could give unto thee thine heart's crown, even 
as I did but now give unto Nebuchadnezzar 
the crown of his kingdomi But fear not I 
Summer ever followeth after winter I 

(^A prisoner breaks his chai^i^ snatches dagger from belt 
of^nn.y rushes up behind Neb. a^id strikes at him; 
Alf. interposes his shield^ against which the dagger 
breaks, ) 

Alf. : {Picking up broken dagger) Now, praise be 
to OdinI I always doubted me of those be- 
spangled trinkets jpf Damascus! 

{Prisoner is seized by soldiers,) 
49 



BABYLON ACT III. 

Nkr. : (^Drawing sword) I will teach thee, O thou 
Egyptian — 

Neb. : Spare him, O Nergal I I would not that this 
day of rejoicing- v/ere stained with the blood 
of any man I (^Prisoner is hurried off by soldie7's) 
Brave Alfgar, how often am I thus to owe my 
life unto thee? 

Alf. : Nay, O King, this bit of frippery could scarce 
have harmed thee much; it seemeth to be 
flawed. 

Neb. : Thinkest thou that I deem my flesh to be of 
such proof as is' thy shield? Then, of a cer- 
tainty, should I never bear the weight of 
harnessi Content thee, Alfgar; I spare further 
praise, but I shall not forget I ( Turns toward 
Arg.) Argon, I thank thee and thy fellow 
priests for the prayers offered on my behalf, 
report whereof was brought unto me in 
Egypt. I shall not delay to present mine 
offering of praise before Belus, nor shall I 
neglect the tithes due unto his Temple. 

Arg.: Peace be unto thee, O King! Thy servants 
have done what they could, and rejoice that 
Belus did hear their cry. 

Neb. : And thou too, Daniel. I shall not forget that 
which I promised thee. Moreover, I have 
dreamed a dream, and would know the inter- 
pretation thereof. 

Dan. : Let my lord the King now speak. 

50 



i 



ACT III. BABYLON 

Nkb. : I dreamed, and behold a tree, and the height 
thereof was great. As I gazed, a voice cried 
aloud and said: *' Hew down the tree and cut 
off his branches, nevertheless leave the stump 
of his roots in the earth; let his heart be 
changed from man's and let a beast's heart be 
given unto him, and let seven times pass over 
him, to the intent that he may know that the 
Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men and 
giveth it to whomsoever He will." This dream 
hath greatly troubled me; wherefore, O Dan- 
iel, tell me the interpretation: keep nothing 
back. 

Dan. : O King, let the dream be to them that hate 
thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine 
enemies I The tree which thou sawest, it is 
tJwu, O KingI For they shall drive thee from 
men, and seven times shall pass over thee, 
until thou knowest that the Heavens do rule. 
Wherefore, O King, let my counsel be accept- 
able unto thee, and set thine affairs in order, 
for thou knowest not the day nor the hour 
when this thing shall come upon thee! 

(^Exit Dan.) 

Neb.: This is indeed a message of evil ! Seven years 
of exile I Would any remember me so long ? 

Chlo. : Those who love thee would remember, were 
it seven times seven years> 

Nkb. : I thank thee, dear Chlora. Thou wouldst not 
forget Nebuchadnezzar, wouldst thou? 

51 



BABYLON ACT III. 

Chlo. : {Looking pointedly at ^ito.^ And there are 
many others who would not. 

Neb.: Mother beloved, I know thou wouldst not. 

NiTO. : Never, my son. Nor do I think thou dost 
need that thy mother should tell thee in 
words what her whole life hath told thee in 
acts. 

Neb. : Nay, mother, I know it well. And as thou didst 
guard the kingdom whilst I was in Egypt, 
even so couldst thou guard it again. Where- 
fore it is my command that if this thing which 
Daniel hath foretold cometh to pass, all men 
shall yield obedience unto my beloved mother, 
Nitocris the Queen, as if it were unto mine 
own person, until such time as the curse shall 
be lifted from off me. 

Her.: Hear all ye people the words of Nebuchad- 
nezzar the King and the decree that he hath 
spoken! So shall ye be witnesses against 
yourselves if in aught ye fail to observe his 
command I 

Capt's, etc.: We are witnessessi 

NiTo. : I will accept this trust, my son, should need 
arise; which, may the Gods avert I And it 
will make my task the easier, that I shall 
have a strong prop whereon to lean. (^Smiling 
at Chlo.) 

Chlo. : Nor shalt thou find one amongst thy subjects 
more dutiful than Chloral 

52 



ACT III. BABYLON 

Neb.: And thou, Alfg-ar; wilt thou stand true to 
thine oath, in mine absence as in mj presence? 

Alf. : A Northman, O King-, sweareth as unto that 
which is ever present, even his own honor! 

Neb. : Now, g-o we to the feast, and drown in tank- 
ards of Egyptian wine all these foreboding-s 
of evil I 



--et^Bes- 



SCENE II. 
TERRACE BEFORE THE PALACE OF BABYLON. 

Enter Nitocris, Chlora and Alfgar^ right. 



Chlo. : Mother dear, thy first words unto me on my 
return from Kgypt, even yesterday, have lain 
in my memory. What didst thou mean that 
I should understand by them? 

NiTO. : My meaning- was that thou didst love, but as 
yet found not thy love returned; and that I 
wished it had been in my power to give thee 
thine heart's desire. And moreover, that 
thou shouldst be patient. 

Chlo. : Surely I deemed myself to have ever behaved 
with discretion. Tell me, I pray thee, how 
didst thou divine my secret ? 

NiTo. : Dost thou, a woman, ask this of me, another 
woman? Is it not the gift of our sex, to read 

53 



BABYLON ACT iii. 

each other's hearts? And that there be no 
attempt at further disg-uise between us, I 
will tell thee this also, that the one on whom 
thine heart is fixed is none other than my 
son the King-. 

Chi,o. : Would that my choice had fallen upon any 
other I For he is wedded already, even unto 
his own g-reatness, and there is no room left 
in his heart for poor Chloral 

NiTO. : Despair not, my daughter, for a man's love 
may long" lie sleeping", yet awake in marvel- 
ous streng-th. I have looked forth at night 
upon this city of Babylon, and all was dark; 
no beauty met mine eye, nor aught save 
huge dusky piles looming dim under the 
quiet stars. Yet have I again looked forth 
as the sun shot his first beam across the 
Plain of Shinar, and lo, what a change I 
For now, the domes and spires and pinnacles 
seemed like some mighty host with trap- 
pings all of gold, and mine heart rejoiced 
exceedingly to behold the glory thereof I 
Bven thus, in a man's heart oft cometh the 
day-spring of love. Wherefore again I say, 
despair not I 

(NiTO. e?nbraces Chlo. a7td exit^ right. ) 

Ai.F. : {Aside) Truly, O Queen, thou canst read the 

hearts of meni 
Chi,o. : {Soliloquizing) How keen is the torture of 

54 



ACT III. BABYLON 

this long- suspense! I must end it speedily! 
Yea, this very hour will I know the best or 
the worst! 

{^ExH Chlo. and A.-L^.y right; enter '^^b. left.') 

Neb. : Now have I reached the utmost bound of mine 
ambition! The world lieth at my feet, the 
voice of treason hath been silenced, and every- 
where reigneth peace! Henceforth is Nebu- 
chadnezzar indeed the King of Kings! 

{Enter Cb.1,0. and A.'lv.^ right,) 

Chlo.: {Kneeling) O King, live forever! May I 
speak with thee? 

Neb. : Rise, Chlora. Let us bend our steps toward 
the edge of the terrace, and gaze on the 
glorious view that spreadeth beneath. How 
mighty is Babylon! Surely it passeth the 
thought of man to picture her future! 

Chlo. : Cometh it ever into thy mind, how that but 
for Chlora all this had been different ? When 
the crown was offered me did I not spurn it, 
yea, and bring thee warning* also? Have I 
not kept the secret of my birthright and 
eaten the bread of a dependent, when I might 
have claimed the kingdom for mine own? 
Did I not g-o down with thee into Kgypt, de- 
spising- all the perils of war, lest perchance 
my name mig-ht be made the rallying cry for 
treason did I remain in Bab34on? Nor do I 
say this in any spirit of vain-glory, for what 
L.DfC. 55 



BABYLON ACT III. 

I did was done freely; but I do bring these 
things to thy remembrance that thou mayst 
judge whether the heart which hath loved 
thee so well be not worthy of thine affection. 
Then incline thine ear unto this my last 
appeal I 
Neb. : Hast thou said all ? 

ChIvO. : Methinks that I had said enough to melt an 
heart of ironi Yea, I have said all. 

Nkb. : Now, have I hearkened patiently unto thy 
words; hearken thou patiently unto mine. 
Urge me no further upon this question, for 
never could I answer thee as thou wouldst. 
Marriage is not for me, my greatness is too 
great. Comfort thine heart with the thought 
that in the due course of events thou shalt 
over-live me and one day wear Babylon's 
crown thyself. Of this thy right I will never 
seek to defraud thee by marrying another. 
But, bethink thee, this right thou hast utter- 
ly resigned as between thyself and myself, 
and we do stand unto each other as though 
that right had never been. What, then, art 
thou? And what am I ? Thou art one who 
dost eat of my bread and art supported of my 
bounty; yea, did I so choose, I could make of 
thee mine handmaid — 

Chi,o.: This is indeed too much I O God of Daniel, 
smite him in his pride, even as Thou hast 
foreshewnl 

56 



ACT III. BABYLON 

Nkb.: Nay, I did not say that I would do this 

thing- — 
Chi,o. : It were enough that thou couldst think it I 

Nkb.: Calm thee until I shall have ended. Such, 
then, art thou. / am the King- of Kings! 
Look beneath thee and consider this city with 
its palaces, its temples, its innumerable mul- 
titudes! And where had been all this but for 
mine hand ? For is not this great Babylon, 
which I have built for the House of the 
Kingdom, by the might of my power, and for 
the honor of my majesty? 

{Thunder: ^^^. looks upward and falls: Ai.T. draws 
stvo7'd, looks tipzuardy lozvers point of sword and 
bends his head: Chlo. looks upward, starts hack, 
then rushes to Nkb., kneels beside him, raises her 
face and ar?ns imploringly, clasps her hands and 
falls forward on breast of Nkb. : all lights go out 

A Voick: The Kingdom is departed ! 



57 



ACT IV. 

SCKNK I. 

A GROVK ON THK PLAIN OP SHINARI HUT IN FORK- 
GROUND. 



Enter K-RQ. ancH^n^.^ left. 



Arg. : I tell thee there must be no violence! 

Ner.: And I tell thee that did I need to pile one 
corpse upon another until they climbed the 
sky to rival yonder dome of Babylon's palace, 
Chlora should yet be mine! Win her I will ! 

Arg. : Then must thou win her with thy tongue, or 
at the most with some small show of force. 
Also will I, so far as in me lies, back thine 
appeal with mine authority as the High Priest 
of Belus. 

Ner.: Soft! She approacheth! 

(Arg. and Ner. conceal themselves; enter ChIvO. and 

Alf.) 

Chlc: How vain a thing is the glory of this world ! 
How slight the grasp in which it can be 
held, even by the strongest! Seven years ago, 
Nebuchadnezzar had all that thought could 
wish; and now, what hath he! Then, the 

58 



ACT IV. BABYLON 

palace of Babylon was but too humble for his 
majesty; now, this rude hut is all too grand I 
Then, his servants were the nations of the 
earth; now, we twain are his only attend- 
ants, and even we are more than he knoweth 
how to employ I 
Alf. : Yet is the service of one true heart better than 
is the tribute of many kingdoms I 

Chlo.: Ahl Had he but his reason! Then how 
quickly should he have all else I For well 
hath Nitocris acquitted herself of the charge 
of the kingdom, and loyally hath she main- 
tained that in all her acts she but stood in 
the King's room until the time when he 
should again be himself. This day, more- 
over, must we keep our ward with double 
care, for it endeth the seven years foretold in 
Daniel's prophecy. 

Alf. : Then shall this day bring tidings unto Baby- 
lon, for I do firmly hold that the words of 
Daniel shall in no wise fail. 

(Arg. and'^^iEi, shoru themselves.^ 

Nbr.: Hail, beauteous Chloral 

Arg.: May Belus protect thee, O Princess! 

Chlo. : Peace be unto you both. 

Ner.: Fair Chlora, through all these years mine 

heart hath never swerved from its devotion! 

Then let me again bespeak thine ear while I 

do urge my suit! {^Kneels,') 

59 



BABYLON ACT iv. 

Chlo. : Rise, Prince. Thy suit can have none other 

answer than it had before. 
Ner. : Say not so, Chloral Think what is thy life: 
each day, each night, a weary vig^il; whilst 
the 3^ears drag- their slow length along, tin- 
marked by aught save one long waiting for 
what Cometh not, no, nor shall ever come! 
Arg. : The v/ords of Nergal are true, O Chlora, for I 
have had a vision wherein Belus did shew 
unto me that never more should he who was 
the King be other than he now is. 
Chlo. : Then nevermore will I be other than I now 

ami 
Ner. : Can not the fond devotion of an heart that 
loveth thee but too well; the glory and pomp of 
Nineveh's Principality; the ease and pleasure 
of a court where each shall strive to gain a 
smile from thee, and he who is thine husband 
most of all: can not such things as these 
weigh with thee as against a dull round of 
existence scarce better than is thrown grudg- 
ing by the Gods unto an Kthiop slave? 
Chi.0. : Here, with my King, are watching, fasting 
and prayer. There, with thee, were dancing, 
feasting and revelry. But here is mine heart; 
yea, and here stayeth Chloral 
Ner.: This is but folly I If thou hast not wisdom to 
choose, I will choose for thee! 
(Ner. advances; Alf. di'aws sword and interposes.^ 
Ai.F. : Hast thou forgotten? 

60 



ACT IV. BABYLON 

Arg.: Touch not the Prince, I do command thee, 
Alfgar! He is with me, the High Priest, and 
violence offered unto him would be as unto 
myself, which were sacrileg-el I could call 
down upon thine head the vengeance of BelusI 

Alf. : Doubtless thou couldst <:«//. But hear me tell 
thee, Argon, that wert thou Belus himself, it 
should make no difference; for I will strike 
dov/n thy Prince, and thee after him. if he 
approacheth one step nearer to the Princess I 

Nkb. : ( Within the hut) What hoi What hoi 
Chlo. : Alf gar, go to the Kingi 

AivF. : Go? And leave thee with these men, all un- 
protected? I, who am sworn to thy defense? 

Chlo.: So shalt thou best discharge thee of thine 
oath; for thou shalt defend me from mine 
own reproach hereafter, if that the King did 
lack for aid when most he stood in need 
thereof. Yea, did I know that the words 
should mean my death, yet would I speak 
as becometh a Princess of the House of 
Babylon, and bid thee to leave me and to 
succor my King I Nor am I unprotected; 
for within my bosom is an heart that never 
yet hath quailed, and above mine head is the 
God of Daniel I 

i^Exit Alf.) 

Nkr. : {Adva7icing) Chlora, thou must be mine I I 
will yet make thee Queen of Babylon I 

61 



BABYLON ACT iv. 

Chlo. : (^Drawing dagger) Never I This heart shall 
beat its last, ere it be pressed in love to 
thine 1 

Nkr.: (^Drawing sword) Then die thou shaltl None 
other shall possess thee I 

Arg. : {Restraining l^^iR.) Nay; thou shalt not slay 
her I What would her death advantage us? 

Ner. : Unhand me, if thou wouldst not share her 
fate I 

Arg.: Thou madmani Stay thine hand I 

Nkr. : Will nothing" less satisfy thee? (^Stabs Arg.) 
There I 

Arg.: (^Dratviiig dagger) Thou worse than mad- 
mani Thou y<?^// {Stabs Ner.) Let my 
blood and thine own both be upon thine head I 

(Arg. and l^v,^. fall and die ; enter Ku^S) 

Alf.: The King hath regained his reasoni {Sees 
the dead bodies) Ha! What hath been here? 
Chlo.: Heaven's justice! But the King! Joy! Joy! 
Haste thee for proper meat and suitable ap- 
parel ! 
Ale.: Shall I leave thee alone with this sight of 

terror ? 
Chlo. : I feared them not whilst living; why should 

I fear them dead ? 
Ale. : Hadst thou been Pharaoh, surely we had never 
divided the spoil of Kgypt ! 

{Exit Ai^v.) 
62 



ACT IV. BABYLON 

Chi.0.: {Kneeling) O God of Daniel, I do thank 
thee I My King-, who was as dead, doth live 
ag-ain; and my poor wayward heart hence- 
forth shall rest content, in that it still may 
love him, though without return I 

{Enter Nkb. , clothed very plainly, ) 

Nkb.: {Extending arms) Chloral 

(Chi.o. rushes to Neb., and they embrace,) 



-eses^a-- 



SCENE II. 
THRONE ROOM AT BABYI^ON, 



Present: Neb., Nito., Chlo,, Alf., Dan., Herald, 
Captains, Priests and attendants. 



Her. : Hearken all ye men of wisdom, and all ye men 
of war; for Nitocris the Queen is about to 
speak I 

NiTo. : O ye of the Great Council of Babylon, it hath 
seemed good in mine eyes to call you to- 
gether, albeit neither war nor commotion 
threateneth, but everywhere is peace. Never- 
theless, there hath a great event happened, 
in that yesterday was light restored to my 
son Nebuchadnezzar, and his reason returned 
unto him. Wherefore, as is my duty, I now 

63 

Deo Se 1901 



BABYLON ACT iv. 

lay down mine office as ruler in his room, 
and restore into his keeping the royal crown 
and estate. (Neb. kneels; NiTO. places crown 
on his head and raises him) Now have I 
given thee back thine own, and acquitted me 
of my trust I 
Neb.: Surely, such a mother, never son had before I 
Her.: Hear all ye people I Nitocris the Queen giv- 
eth back the crown of Babylon, which she 
hath worn according to his command, unto its 
rightful owner, even unto her son, Nebu- 
chadnezzar the KingI 
Neb.: Daniel, ever a counselor unto me for good, 
it is my pleasure that from this day thou 
shouldst rank as chief of my advisers; and 
hereafter will I strive to pay greater heed 
unto thine admonitions. 
Dan.: O King, may Jehovah ever counsel thee I 
Neb.: Alfgar, I will now release thee from thine 
oath as touching the Princess Chlora, for 
henceforth I shall myself be her guard. And 
as reward for thy long and faithful service, I 
promote thee to the post of Chief Captain in 
the room of Nergal, and likewise do I bestow 
upon thee his Principality of Nineveh. 
Ale. : {Kneeling) O King, mine heart doth thank 

thee as my lips can not ! 
Chlo. : {Advancing and raising Ai.f.) My brave 
protector for so many years I Chlora will 
never forget thee, nor what she oweth to thy 

64 



r 



L 



ACT IV. BABYLON 

fidelity! Thou slialt no longer be called 
Alfg-ar the Northman, but thou shalt be 
called Alfg-ar the Faithful I {Kisses his 
hand) 
Alf. : Surely, this reward passeth my thought I Of 
all mine earthly hopes but one remaineth un- 
fulfilled, and that one can not come to me save 
in the hour of death. May this hope also be 
granted, that I shall die in thy defense, O 
Chlora, and that the last sound to reach mine 
ear shall be thy voice saying that Alfgar hath 
indeed been faithful unto the end I 

(Ai.F. takes his place as Chief Captain.) 

NiTO. : Now, do thou approach, my daughter, for I 
have also a crown to bestow on thee. (Chlo. 
kneels to NiTO.) Yea, and thou hast at last 
that crown upon thine heart in which thou 
dost more rejoice than in any which could be 
set upon thy brow I (^Places Queen* diadem on 
head of CiihO, and raises her) And now, my 
son and my daughter, I give to each of you a 
priceless crown, in that I give you to each 
other I {Joins hands (t/Nkb. and Chi,o.) 

Nkb.: Behold your Queen! 

Hkr. : Hail to Chlora, Queen of Babylon! 

Capt's, etc. : Hail ! 

{Flourish of trumpets. ) 



65 



1 copy DEL. TO Ca ; 
DEC. 27 1901 



